Everything is not going to be perfect-But you can survive this season. We’ve actually had some great chuckles over the cave in at the gingerbread house. It was just not meant to be. From the moment we started we were missing half the ingredients, it was doomed. The holidays don’t have to be a bust this year if you follow my simple strategies for getting along with family.
1. Remember it’s all about the kids. If they are having fun that’s all that counts.
2. Kids are tired and over stimulated during the holidays. Keep your screaming in check and don’t judge others kids either- they are also tired and over stimulated.
3. Expect the obvious and you won’t be disappointed. If Aunt Maggie buys your kids socks every year, you can bet they’ll have socks this year. Why expect anything different.
4. If you know your going to eat late make a snack ahead of time. I always make a breakfast strata on Christmas Eve to cook Christmas morning. We open presents then eat a nice hot breakfast and we are good for a late lunch.
5. Always keep a few back up gifts handy. Someone every year seems to surprise us with an unexpected gift. Don’t let yourself be caught off guard, bottles wine, bath products and kids books are always good to keep wrapped and ready.
6. You can’t be at 2 places at once. Compromise, in order to enjoy yourself you can’t stretch yourself too thin. It’s okay to say no or make other arrangements with family.
7. Laugh about it. You already know, your sister’s food sucks, grandpa is going to fall asleep in the chair, cousin Ben isn’t going to stop talking about his job,and aunt Mary is going to tell you how much everyone spent on her-seriously-it’s the same every year- you might as well surrender to it.
As a matter of fact I’m laughing right now, it’s all kind of funny. Seriously, take a load off this year and focus on being with friends and family. It’s never going to be perfect, if it was I we wouldn’t have anything to talk about in the car on the way home!
Blogger Broadcast says
Hi there, what pretty colors on your blog. Yes, I agree it's all about the kids, without them I wouldn't bother with a Christmas tree. ๐
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Gina Alfani says
Hi Milena . . . love your post!
Thanks for visiting and following my blog . . . I am following you back ๐
Hope you are having an awesome week . . . Gina
http://peacelovehappinesshappens.blogspot.com
http://ginasitaliankitchen.blogspot.com
. . . and many more!
Kerri says
Stopping by from This for That! Great reminders on how to stay calm this season.
Raising Three Savvy Ladies
English woman in New York says
Oh, so true, families are so true to form over the holidays- you're right, best to just laugh it off!
Melissa says
What about wine??? LOL.
Milena says
There is always LOTS of wine and various beverages involved in easing holiday stress!